THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our
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THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our interdependence and use our diversity and different gifts to enrich the whole.

For more information or to become a member, email ioniacountypeace@gmail.com, call 616-527-7163 or like us on Facebook. Visit our website at ioniacountypeacecommunity.org.

By Karen Merchant"Kindness in words creates confidence, Kindness in thinking creates profoundness, and Kindness in giving creates LOVE." ~ Lao TzuEvery day we are faced with opportunities: opportunities to make our own life better, opportunities to make someone else's life better. How do we make the decisions needed to face these opportunities? My suggestion is with Kindness.As the quote above from Lao Tzu, our actions have definite consequences. The consequences are far reaching, not only affecting our own life but the lives of those around us. A simple word can make – or break – someone's day. Thinking before you do or speak can make the difference in the response that you get back. Giving is the heart's way of expressing joy.Many of you have heard of, and probably participated in, the program called "Random Acts of Kindness." This is a great way to, either through a planned event or through a spontaneous act, share the joy of giving with others. I love that this idea is often celebrated during the month of February, the "LOVE" month, but I would like to challenge you to try to do this year-around. The acts can be anywhere and with anyone and for anyone. That is the beauty of the whole program. The other beauty is the feeling that you receive once you have participated in this. It is a win-win situation for both parties!Recently, I heard of another program called "Pay LOVE Forward." The idea here is similar to the Random Acts of Kindness. You do something loving for someone. I have asked some people if they would share a time where they were shown love by someone else. One person shared about a time when she and her daughter were in Meijer. Her little girl was sitting in the cart, and they were laughing as they shopped. A man and woman came up to her and told her that it brought joy to their hearts to see her happy little girl, and they said that she must be a good mother. This woman said that she was on "cloud nine" for the rest of her day.I talked to gentleman about "Paying Love Forward." He thought for a minute, and said that he had taken his car to a friend of his who owns his own repair shop. He asked the man to do some repairs on his brakes. When it was time to pay, his friend said, "Give the money to the Antique Village. I know that you need some support for your Car Show." The man was in charge of the car show at the Antique Village and yes, indeed, they did need some sponsorship money. His friend's donation helped the man to provide special trophies for the people who brought their cars to the show.Another couple that I talked to told of an instance in which they found themselves stranded in Grand Rapids with no way to get home. They had been there overnight at a truck stop. None of their friends or family members were able to go and pick them up. The woman called a person who had been taking her to church for several months. They were friends, but not really close. This person and her husband drove to Grand Rapids, got the couple and took them to their home. This young couple was so thankful for the help.In each of these instances, "Love" was paid forward. I would like to challenge all of us to try to find opportunities to "Pay LOVE Forward." Also take a moment to remember a time when you were on the receiving end of "Paying LOVE Forward." Let's try to do this all year, and not just in the "Love" month of February!Remember, as Lao Tzu said, "Kindness in giving creates LOVE."_______________KAREN MERCHANT retired in 2005 after 30 years as a teacher at Palo Community Schools. She now fills her time with volunteering for many organizations. She has been a member of the Ionia County Peace Community since its inception.